Al-Azhar to send convoys to combat extremism

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayeb announced that Al-Azhar will be sending out convoys throughout Egypt to spread moderate Islamic thought, and to right misconceptions and destructive beliefs, particularly in regards to violence and extremism(AFP Photo)

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayeb announced that Al-Azhar will be sending out convoys throughout Egypt to spread moderate Islamic thought, and to right misconceptions and destructive beliefs, particularly in regards to violence and extremism.

Islam is built on tolerance and moderation, Al-Tayeb said, and it is the duty of Al-Azhar to disseminate such knowledge throughout Egypt and the Islamic world.

“We reject extremism in all of its forms,” the Grand Imam added. “We also equally reject leniency and negligence in all their forms. We must avoid polar extremes.”

The convoys will focus on spreading correct values and behaviours, and denouncing corruption.

“We build and do not destroy,” Al-Tayeb said.

In addition, these convoys will seek to defend Islam and its holy sites and to take a stand against attempts to infiltrate Egypt’s Sunni institutions with Shi’a thinking.

“Our way will be guided by Shari’a and wisdom and good teaching without weakness or violence or conflict.”

These convoys will belong to the whole nation and will be at the service of anyone seeking to understand the truth of Islam and the way of right behaviour. They will be targeting a variety of academic and cultural institutions, Al-Tayeb said.

Al-Azhar will be working under the patronage of the Grand Imam to select the preachers to participate in the convoys and provide them with the highest levels of training. They hope to have a convoy in every governorate and major city in Egypt within a year.